DIRECTV vs. DISH 2023 comparison
Is DIRECTV or DISH better? Compare plans, pricing and features to choose the best satellite TV provider for your home.



Is DIRECTV or DISH better?
DIRECTV and DISH differ slightly in price, available channels, sports packs and DVR equipment. Depending on what you’re looking for in a TV service, you may find one provider to have an edge over the other.
You may prefer DISH if:
- You want a consistent price
- You want international channels
- You like having the best recording technology and need to record lots of shows at once
You may prefer DIRECTV if:
- You want more 4K content
- You like having more channel and package options to choose from
- You want to bundle AT&T internet with your TV plan
DIRECTV vs. DISH network quick comparison
Provider | Starting package | Available channels | Contract & price increase | DVR recordings up to |
---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | ENTERTAINMENT (1) – $64.99/mo. | 165-340+ | 2-year price guarantee | Five shows at once |
DISH![]() | America’s Top 120 – $79.99/mo.* | 190-290+ | 3-year price guarantee | 16 shows at once |
1 ENTERTAINMENT: $64.99/mo. for 24 months plus taxes and fees. w/ 24-mo. agmt. AutoPay and Paperless Bill req’d. Advanced Receiver Service Fee $15/mo. is extra and applies. 1/23/23.
Is DIRECTV or DISH better?
Best for 4K content – DIRECTV
Both DIRECTV’s Genie and DISH’s Hopper 3 have 4K capabilities. Currently, DIRECTV offers more 4K channels than DISH. DISH’s 4K options are mainly available via On Demand and the integrated Netflix app.
Best equipment – DISH
DISH has the better DVR equipment. DISH’s Hopper 3 can record up to 16 shows at once; DIRECTV’s Genie can record five. Plus, DISH has voice remote with a built-in mic right on your remote. DIRECTV does not offer that feature.
Best international programming – DISH
DISH offers international channels in 28 languages, a much broader selection than DIRECTV’s eight international programming offers.
Best customer service – Tie
DISH and DIRECTV rank nearly identically for customer service and satisfaction. They both offer 24/7 support, including live chat. And they both rank higher than cable TV options.

Best satellite TV
The bottom line — Which is better: DISH or DIRECTV?
When it comes to DIRECTV vs DISH network’s prices, both providers offer similar packages, but DISH’s rates are higher. DISH has a more powerful DVR, capable of recording 16 shows at once. Plus, DISH excels in their selection of international channels.
DIRECTV has more channels and package options, plus an advantage when it comes to 4K content.
Determining which provider is better for you also depends on what channels are important to you. DIRECTV and DISH plans vary in what channels they offer so research what package has your must-have channels below for each provider.
DIRECTV vs. DISH pricing and fees
DIRECTV and DISH have similar starting pricing, but DIRECTV has a two-year price guarantee and DISH has a three-year price guarantee.
- Lowest-priced package: ENTERTAINMENT starting at $64.99/mo.1 for 165+ channels
- Highest-priced package: PREMIER starting at $154.99/mo.2 for 340+ channels
- Price increase: increase of $32-$62, depending on package, after 24 mos.
- Installation fee: standard installation included in up to four rooms
- Activation fee: one-time charge of $19.95
- Local channels fee: $0
- First DVR device: included
- Additional receivers: $7/mo.* each
- Lowest-priced package: America’s Top 120 starting at $79.99/mo.* for 190 channels
- Highest-priced package: America’s Top 250 starting at $109.99/mo.* for 290+ channels
- Price increase: after 3 years
- Installation fee: standard installation included in up to six rooms
- Activation fee: one-time charge $0-$50, based on customer qualification
- Local channels fee: $12/mo.* (included in package price)
- First DVR device: included
- Additional receivers: $5-10/mo.* each
1 ENTERTAINMENT: $64.99/mo. for 24 months plus taxes and fees. w/ 24-mo. agmt. AutoPay and Paperless Bill req’d. Advanced Receiver Service Fee $15/mo. is extra and applies.
2 PREMIER: $154.99/mo. for 24 months plus taxes and fees w/ 24-mo. agmt. AutoPay and Paperless Bill req’d. Advanced Receiver Service Fee $15/mo. and Regional Sports Fee up to $13.99/mo. are extra & apply.
*Pricing per month plus taxes for length of contract. Additional fees and terms may apply. Pricing varies by location and availability. All prices subject to change at any time. May or may not be available based on service address. As of 01/23/23.
**$19.95 ACTIVATION, EARLY TERMINATION FEE OF $20/MO. FOR EACH MONTH REMAINING ON AGMT., EQUIPMENT NON-RETURN & ADD’L FEES APPLY. Price incl. TV Pkg, equip. fees for first TV connection and standard pro installation. $7/mo. for each additional TV connection on your account. Wireless upgrade with HD DVR $99.00. New approved residential customers only (equipment lease req’d). Credit card req’d (except MA & PA). Restr’s apply.1/23/23.
DISH vs. DIRECTV hidden fees
As far as DIRECTV vs. DISH network fees, there are some differences in hidden costs, such as activation fees, regional sports fees and more. We compare the hidden costs below.
- Fees for HD programming and standard installation are included with DIRECTV and DISH packages.
- While both DIRECTV and DISH include one DVR device, they charge a rental fee for each additional device, ranging from $5 to $10/mo. (depending on device functionality).
- Both providers may charge an added fee for whole-home DVR service, currently $15/mo. for DISH and $3/mo. for DIRECTV.
- Depending on the package you select, you may also be charged a regional sports network (RSN) fee, which can vary by location. RSN for DISH ranges from $0-$3/mo.; RSN for DIRECTV is up to $13.99/mo.
DIRECTV vs. DISH packages
When it comes to package options, DIRECTV has a slight advantage over DISH. DIRECTV offers five channel packages to DISH’s four. Both providers offer add-on packages for premium channels, sports packs and international channels.
Take a look at available packages from each provider below, and check out our DIRECTV channel guide and DISH channel guide to see what channels come with each package.
- ENTERTAINMENT: Starting at $64.99/mo.1 for 165+ channels
- CHOICE: Starting at $84.99/mo.2 for 200+ channels
- ULTIMATE: Starting at $109.00/mo.3 for 270+ channels
- PREMIER: Starting at $154.99/mo.4 for 340+
- America’s Top 120 – starting at $79.99/mo.* for 190 channels
- America’s Top 200 – starting at $99.99/mo.* for 240+ channels
- America’s Top 250 – starting at $109.99/mo.* for 290+ channels
1 For 24 mo. + taxes and fees w/ 24-mo. agmt. AutoPay and Paperless Bill req’d. Advanced Receiver Service Fee $15/mo. is extra and applies
2 For 24 mo. + taxes and fees w/ 24-mo. agmt. AutoPay and Paperless Bill req’d. Advanced Receiver Service Fee $15/mo. and Regional Sports Fee up to $13.99/mo. are extra & apply. (Choice, Premier, Ultimate)
3 For 24 mo. + taxes and fees w/ 24-mo. agmt. AutoPay and Paperless Bill req’d. Advanced Receiver Service Fee $15/mo. and Regional Sports Fee up to $13.99/mo. are extra & apply. (Choice, Premier, Ultimate)
4 For 24 mo. + taxes and fees w/ 24-mo. agmt. AutoPay and Paperless Bill req’d. Advanced Receiver Service Fee $15/mo. and Regional Sports Fee up to $13.99/mo. are extra & apply. (Choice, Premier, Ultimate) 1/23/23.
Things to note about DISH and DIRECTV channel line-ups:
- Lower-tiered DIRECTV and DISH packages offer similar channel lineups and pricing.
- DIRECTV’s top package gives you more than any DISH package. (DIRECTV’s PREMIER™ package includes HBO Max®, SHOWTIME®, STARZ® and Cinemax® with MGM+™ for the first three months on DIRECTV, plus 70+ regional sports networks. DISH’s largest TV package, America’s Top 250, only includes STARZ ENCORE channels, similar to DIRECTV’s ULTIMATE package.)
DIRECTV vs. DISH channel lineups
Wondering which satellite TV provider has your favorite channels? You’ll find a list of popular channels and which DIRECTV and DISH packages include them below.
Channel | DIRECTV package | DISH package |
---|---|---|
A&E | CHOICE™ and above | All packages |
AMC | All packages | All packages |
Comedy Central | All packages | All packages |
Discovery | All packages | All packages |
ESPN | All packages | All packages |
FOX News | All packages | All packages |
HBO® | PREMIER™ | Not available |
HGTV | All packages | All packages |
NFL Network | CHOICE™ and above | America’s Top 200 and above |
TBS | All packages | All packages |
TLC | All packages | All packages |
TNT | All packages | All packages |
Travel Channel | CHOICE™ and above | All packages |
USA | All packages | All packages |
DISH and DIRECTV full channel guides
If you are already leaning toward a particular TV provider, the next step is to compare DISH packages and DIRECTV plans side-by-side. Take a look at available packages from each provider below, and check out our DIRECTV channel guide and DISH channel guide to see what channels come with each package.
The bottom line — Which is better: DISH or DIRECTV?
Sports fans will want to opt for DIRECTV. TV watchers who want a general variety of popular channels will be better off with DISH.
DIRECTV vs. DISH DVR equipment
Both providers include one main DVR device at no extra cost. Additional DIRECTV receivers can cost up to $7 per device, while additional DISH receivers cost $5 to $10 each. Get the DIRECTV Genie or the DISH Hopper 3 with any standard TV package.
DIRECTV Genie vs. DISH Hopper 3
- Records up to five shows at once
- One TB storage space for up to 200 hours of HD content
- Supports HD and 4K resolution
- 72-hour rewind, watch select shows up to 72 hours after they aired
- Wireless devices available
- Whole-home DVR available
- Records up to 16 shows at once
- Two TB storage space for up to 500 hours of HD content
- Supports HD resolution and 4K via streaming services
- “Find the Remote” button
- AutoHop automatically skips commercials in selected primetime recordings
- Netflix® and other apps built-in
- Wireless devices available
- Whole-home DVR available
The bottom line — Which is better: DISH or DIRECTV?
This is one category where DISH has a clear advantage. DISH’s Hopper 3 offers more recording capabilities and storage space than DIRECTV’s Genie. Plus, the Hopper 3 features a handy remote finder button and access to apps like Netflix and YouTube from the device.
Call to order: (844) 451-2720 (844) 451-2720
DIRECTV vs. DISH mobile app
Both DISH and DIRECTV have useful apps available for free on Android and Apple devices. The DISH Anywhere App allows you to watch live TV on the go and manage your DVR.
App | Stream live TV | Stream on-demand TV | Watch recorded programs | Download and watch offline | Set DVR | Use smartphone as a remote |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
DIRECTV app | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | X | ✓ | X |
DISH Anywhere app | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | X |
DIRECTV vs. DISH customer satisfaction
According to the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI), DIRECTV and DISH rank relatively high in customer satisfaction compared to other TV service providers. Both ranked higher on customer satisfaction scales compared to cable TV. Here’s how the two satellite TV providers scored over the past three years.
Provider/service | 2022 score | 2021 score |
---|---|---|
![]() | 66/100 | 66/100 |
DISH![]() | 65/100 | 66/100 |
The bottom line — Which is better: DISH or DIRECTV?
You can’t go wrong here! Both DIRECTV and DISH have equally high scores for customer satisfaction.
DIRECTV vs. DISH FAQs
Do you have to install a satellite dish to get DIRECTV or DISH Network?
Yes. Both providers require you to install a satellite dish to receive service. Equipment and standard installation are included at no extra cost with DIRECTV and DISH.
Does DIRECTV or DISH have internet?
Neither DIRECTV or DISH offer internet. AT&T acquired DIRECTV in 2015, so bundling options with AT&T’s internet plans may be available in some areas. HughesNet and Viasat are popular satellite internet providers, but your home may also be eligible for DSL, cable or fiber-optic internet services.
Is Netflix free with DISH or DIRECTV?
Netflix is not included with either service. However, the Hopper 3 from DISH lets you access your Netflix account from the DVR, so you don’t have to switch cables or inputs to watch Netflix.
Can you get local channels with satellite TV?
DIRECTV and DISH both offer local channels with their main TV packages. In most locations, local channels are also available in HD resolution.
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Written by:
David AndersSenior Writer, Broadband Content
David joined the Allconnect team in 2017, specializing in broadband and TV content. His work has been referenced by a variety of sources, including ArcGIS, DIRECTV and more. As a Senior Writer, David is motivate… Read more
Edited by:
Robin LaytonEditor, Broadband Content
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